Director of IDPH says Illinois is prepared for Ebola

CHICAGO - The director of the Illinois Department of Public Health says the state is ready to test for Ebola, and that the department will keep the public informed if suspected cases arise.

Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck said the state would authorize blood tests of potential patients who have been exposed to Ebola and are showing symptoms. He also says officials would notify the public, and later reveal the test results. Result of blood tests for Ebola usually come back in 48 to 72 hours.

Hasbrouck talked about Illinois' readiness to deal with the illness on the same day health officials in Dallas, Texas announced that the first diagnosed Ebola patient in the nation died.

Hasbrouck reminded the public that Ebola is spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids or blood of someone who is infected, and that it is not an airborne illness.